As the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan, the scenic Mount Abu has become a popular tourist destination over the years. Aptly named the ‘oasis of the desert’, the town has captured the hearts of many a traveler. Even more so, after news reports around the great mystery of snowfall in Mount Abu. If you’re curious about this as well, let’s address those questions right away.
Is Mount Abu in Rajasthan a hill station? Absolutely! Will I see hills and mountains for sure? Definitely. The town is located in the lap of the Aravallis and at an altitude of 1200m. Is Mount Abu snowfall an actual thing? Well, the days will be pleasant and the nights will give you the shivers, especially in the winter. But unfortunately, the closest you will come to ice is a blanket of frost during peak winters. Don’t be disheartened, however. To begin with, Mount Abu is a hill station amidst a desert landscape. It’s not too often we come across one of those! Remember the stories we’ve read about oases in the middle of the desert? Mount Abu isn’t a mirage, but a real oasis that’s prettily perched on lush hills.
Mount Abu is one of the most offbeat experiences in Rajasthan, with or without snow. This small town in the Sirohi district offers a rejuvenating escape from the scorching heat of the plains. With its ancient monuments and temples, pristine lakes and magical forests, lively markets and cheerful people – Mount Abu captures all the warmth of Rajasthan in a hill station setting.
October to February are the best months to visit Mount Abu. The weather is pleasant during the day and the winter nights not too chilly.
You could also plan your holiday in Mount Abu to coincide with the Monsoons. There’s nothing quite like the hills during rainy weather when it’s misty and the landscape takes on lush hues of green.
By Air: Udaipur – 185 km and Ahmedabad – 221 km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Abu Road, 28 km from the main city. Abu Road is well-connected to train routes in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
By Road: Mount Abu is well connected by road to major cities in the country.
We’ve listed some of the best places in Mount Abu to make your holiday an unforgettable one!
Nakki Lake is a gorgeous artificial lake, surrounded by picturesque hills in the background. It’s inviting, crystal waters are popular among tourists for boating and photography. The more adventurous at heart could also try their hand at some rock climbing around the lake.
The origins of the lake can be traced back to two legends. The first recounts a time when the Gods dug the lake up with nakhs or nails for protection against demons. The second legend speaks of how a sculptor named Rasita Balam dug the lake in one night.
Right next to Nakki Lake, stands a curious rock formation in the shape of a giant toad. This natural wonder is a fascinating place to visit while in Mount Abu. If you’re up to it, climb onto the back of the toad for beautiful views of Nakki Lake, as well as the entire city.
The best way to see a hill station is always on foot! And those who don’t mind a good walk should hike to the top of Guru Shikhar, the highest point in Rajasthan at an elevation of 1722 m. The panoramic views of the Aravallis here are drop-dead gorgeous, pun unintended. Tourists can also stop by at the Physics Observatory here, which has been set up by the Government. The stillness and quiet on the peak are experiences like no other, making it one of the best places to visit in Mount Abu.
One can also visit the temple of Guru Dattatreya at Guru Shikhar, believed to be an incarnation of three Hindu deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Part of the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual abode, the Peace Park lives up to its name. The park is a medley of flowers in bloom, beautifully trimmed trees, and small paths. Once you walk into this tranquil garden, all signs of worry and stress seem to fade away. Peace Park is ideal for leisurely walks, meditation, and to consciously slow down. To truly appreciate the flora and natural beauty, book a guided walk around the park.
Take a walk on the wild side in Mount Abu, with adventures in the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. A dense expanse of sub-tropical thorn and evergreen forests, this magical green cover is home to leopards, wild boar, sloth bears, hedgehogs, and pangolins, among many others. The thick jungles also contain trails to 17 species of rare medicinal plants, orchids (which aren’t found anywhere else in Rajasthan), and more than 81 species of trees. Exploring the sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Mount Abu. A jungle experience in the otherwise arid state of Rajasthan. What more could one ask for?
Trevor’s Tank is a park so pristine, it’s easy to get utterly lost in its beauty. Set among lush hills and valleys, one has to be reminded of how this is a man-made park meant specifically for the breeding of crocodiles. But don’t fret! For those squeamish about reptiles, it’s possible to watch them sunbathing on the banks from a safe distance. Trevor’s Tank was originally designed by an engineer named Col. G H Trevor for crocodile breeding. The practice continues even today, making it a popular destination for a day out in Mount Abu.
There’s much to do at Trevor’s Tank. Its various locations are perfect for numerous activities. Find a quiet spot from where you can indulge in some bird spotting. Shutterbugs can spend all day here, capturing the wonders of the park’s natural beauty.
If you’re in Mount Abu with a special someone, there’s no better place thanSunset Point to enjoy some quiet time together. Although horse rides are available, it might be worthwhile to spare the backs of these magnificent creatures. Make it a visit to remember by walking up instead. Once at the top of the viewpoint, you will be greeted by views of a spectacular setting sun disappearing into the horizon. Bidding farewell to the world in dazzling streaks of orange or pink light.
The Achalgarh Fort has witnessed the making and unmaking of several kingdoms in Southern Rajasthan. Built more than 500 years ago by Maharana Kumbha, the fort is an architectural testament to an era of majestic empires.
The fort sees a footfall of hundreds of tourists. Although mostly in ruins, it still contains an irresistible grandeur that’s characteristic of places containing a wealth of old stories. One of the prime attractions here is the ancient Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The fort’s impeccable architecture and entrance towers carved in grey granite are magnificent sights. The temple contains a massive foot impression of Lord Shiva, three sculptures of buffalos, a brass figurine of the cow Nandi, and a pond. The icing on the cake is the spectacular view of the city and hills from the fort!
The Dilwara Temples are considered to be one of the holiest sites of worship for Jainism in India. Located around 2.5 km from the town, the Dilwara Temples are a cluster of five temples, containing some of the most intricate marble carvings and design. They were built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupala, Jain ministers of Dholka.
Set in the middle of hills and forests, the temples’ designs reflect the core Jain beliefs of beauty in simplicity. The ornamental details aren’t opulent, but astonishingly beautiful in their attention to detail, minute carvings, and gorgeous pillars and panels.
The Sri Raghunath Temple is serenely located near Nakki Lake. The temple is dedicated to Sri Raghunath who was believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. After an exciting time on the lake or at Toad Rock, stop by the temple for some peace.
For more of an adventure, climb 365 stairs to a cave which houses the Adhar Devi Temple. This temple is a highly revered shrine in Mount Abu, dedicated to the goddess Durga. The effort of an arduous climb will be rewarded with solace, spirituality, and breath-taking views of hills all around you!
Each corner of Rajasthan is a riot of colors and this also holds for Mount Abu as well! Explore the markets for local handicrafts from Rajasthan and Gujarat, souvenirs made from sandalwood or marble, Kota sarees, Jaipuri quilts, or linens with the Sanganeri print.
Some popular shopping destinations in Mount Abu are Govt Handicraft Museum, Kashmiri Cottage Emporium, Piccadilly Plaza, and Khadi Bhandar.
A hill station holiday is almost synonymous with shopping at a Tibetan Market. Mount Abu ensures you don’t miss out on this tradition with its very own Tibetan Market. The Tibetan community in Mount Abu will cater to all your shopaholic desires with stalls of junk jewelry, trinkets, clothes, bags, and traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Even without actual snowfall in Mount Abu, this hill station is perfect for a winter vacation. Experience a Rajasthan that’s far away from desert sands and camels. Mount Abu and its verdant greenery welcome you to rethink your ideas of Rajasthan. And have a wonderful time while doing it!
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